Hohenwerfen Fortress
Majestic medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering stunning views, historical tours, and a thrilling falconry show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Hohenwerfen Fortress
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering stunning views, historical tours, and a thrilling falconry show.
"A show-stopper castle with fascinating history and a must-see falconry display!"
Train to Werfen is Easy
Take the train from Salzburg to Werfen. It's a convenient and scenic journey to reach the castle.
Guided Tours are Key
Most of the castle is only accessible via guided tour. Audio guides are available for non-German speakers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Falconry Show
Falconry Center
Witness majestic birds of prey in a thrilling demonstration against a stunning castle backdrop.
Medieval Castle Tour
Castle Interior
Explore the historic halls and learn about the fortress's rich past on an engaging guided tour.
Panoramic Views
Castle Ramparts
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Salzach Valley and the Austrian Alps.
'Where Eagles Dare' Filming Location
Various Castle Locations
Discover the iconic spots where the classic war film was brought to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Train & Walk
Tours & Falconry: Book Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Train to Werfen is Easy
Take the train from Salzburg to Werfen. It's a convenient and scenic journey to reach the castle.
Guided Tours are Key
Most of the castle is only accessible via guided tour. Audio guides are available for non-German speakers.
Hohenwerfen Castle (Austria): easiest public transit from Salzburg?
Day trip from Salzburg-Hallstatt-Burg Hohenwerfen.
Don't Miss the Falconry
The birds of prey demonstration is a must-see! Arrive a bit early to get a good spot.
Wear Comfy Shoes
There's a fair bit of walking and some uneven surfaces within the castle grounds.
Travelling from Vienna to Salzburg, specifically to see Burg Hohenwerfen.
Tips
from all over the internet
Train to Werfen is Easy
Take the train from Salzburg to Werfen. It's a convenient and scenic journey to reach the castle.
Guided Tours are Key
Most of the castle is only accessible via guided tour. Audio guides are available for non-German speakers.
Don't Miss the Falconry
The birds of prey demonstration is a must-see! Arrive a bit early to get a good spot.
Wear Comfy Shoes
There's a fair bit of walking and some uneven surfaces within the castle grounds.
Movie Buffs Rejoice
Fans of 'Where Eagles Dare' will love spotting filming locations throughout the fortress.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hohenwerfen Castle is widely praised for its stunning beauty, rich history, and engaging falconry show. Visitors appreciate the well-organized guided tours and the helpfulness of the staff. While the cinematic connection to 'Where Eagles Dare' is a major draw, some wish for more detailed film-related exhibits. The accessibility via public transport is a significant plus.
"This castle is absolutely beautiful, with a rich history and stunning views. However, it would be great if there were more details about how the movie “Where Eagles Dare” was filmed here. The castle and the town of Werfen played a significant role in the film, and it deserves more attention in the storytelling.
A truly iconic place for fans of “Where Eagles Dare.”
Great location — a must-visit for any movie lover!"
Camo Rider
"This castle is a show-stopper! Florian was our tour guide, and he was a lot of fun. The staff was very helpful - I had to change my tour time a few weeks in advance, and the staff quickly was able to adjust that for me - much appreciated. The castle itself is WELL worth the visit! Very easy to access by train. The castle has a lot to see - not only the tour, the birds of prey demonstration, but there are additional exhibits about how the castle was constructed, and when I visited, there was an exhibit about witches - all in all, REALLY interesting to learn about the castle, and the history of the area. The snack bar was great - very tasty pretzel. As a non-German speaker, I appreciated that Florian was able to translate some information into English. Non-German speakers should not expect live tours in their language, but they can listen to the information via audio devices. Listening to Florian looked like more fun though, haha."
Linda Q
"Visit Wednesday 30th April 2025. Large car park available and entry via Funicular Railway. Castle visits most areas by guided tour only. Ticket prices including Guided Tour and Falconry experience entirely reasonable. Staff pleasant and efficient."
Shayne Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most efficient public transport route from Salzburg to Hohenwerfen Castle involves taking a train to Werfen station. From there, it's approximately a 35-minute walk to the castle. This route is well-documented and recommended by travelers for its convenience.
The train journey from Salzburg to Werfen typically takes around 45-60 minutes. Add to this the 35-minute walk from Werfen station to the castle, and the total travel time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours one way.
Yes, there is a large car park available at Hohenwerfen Castle, making it accessible for those traveling by car.
Absolutely! Hohenwerfen Castle is easily reachable by public transport, primarily via train to Werfen station, followed by a walk.
The walk from Werfen train station to Hohenwerfen Castle is described as scenic and takes about 35 minutes. It offers a pleasant introduction to the area before reaching the fortress.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Hohenwerfen Castle, including the guided tour and falconry experience, are considered reasonable. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing details.
While not always mandatory, booking Hohenwerfen Castle tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred tour times and avoid potential disappointment.
Hohenwerfen Castle has specific opening times that can vary by season. It's best to consult their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours before your visit.
While live tours may primarily be in German, Hohenwerfen Castle provides audio devices for language translation, allowing non-German speakers to follow along. Some guides, like Florian, have been noted for their ability to translate.
A typical ticket for Hohenwerfen Castle includes access to the guided tour of the castle and the impressive falconry experience. Additional exhibits may also be accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Hohenwerfen Castle, you can explore its medieval interior on a guided tour, witness a spectacular falconry demonstration, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley. There are also exhibits on the castle's construction and local history.
The falconry display at Hohenwerfen Castle is highly recommended and considered a must-see by many visitors. It's a thrilling experience showcasing birds of prey.
Yes, children can thoroughly enjoy Hohenwerfen Castle. Guides like Florian have been praised for making tours engaging for kids, and the falconry show is a definite hit.
The ramparts offer stunning panoramic views for photography. The castle's imposing exterior against the mountain backdrop is also a classic shot. Consider the views from the funicular ascent as well.
A visit to Hohenwerfen Castle typically takes 2-3 hours, allowing time for the guided tour, the falconry show, and exploring any additional exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar at Hohenwerfen Castle where you can find tasty treats like pretzels. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit.
The snack bar at Hohenwerfen Castle offers simple, satisfying options. Pretzels have been specifically mentioned as being very tasty.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light often provides beautiful illumination for the castle's exterior and the surrounding landscape. The ramparts offer excellent vantage points for panoramic shots.
Photography rules inside historical castles can vary. It's best to check for any restrictions posted within the castle or ask your guide. Generally, exterior shots and views from ramparts are widely permitted.
For fans of 'Where Eagles Dare,' identifying and photographing the specific locations used in the film within the castle can be a unique photographic pursuit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the sheer scale and medieval atmosphere of the castle spark imagination. Encourage kids to look for secret passages or imagine knights and dragons. The scenic train ride to Werfen and the walk to the castle can also be part of the adventure. Remember to pack snacks and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.
🎬 Movie Buffs & Film Fans
While the castle's exhibits focus on its medieval past, many visitors express a desire for more in-depth information about the film's production at the castle. Take your time to explore, and perhaps research some key scenes beforehand to enhance your experience of recognizing familiar backdrops. The dramatic setting of the castle perfectly captures the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget-Conscious Visitors
The ticket price, which often includes the guided tour and falconry show, provides excellent value for the experience. Solo travelers can fully immerse themselves in the guided tours, utilizing the audio guides if needed, and enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace. The castle's stunning location also provides ample opportunities for personal reflection and photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Where Eagles Dare' Connection
While the castle's storytelling focuses on its medieval past, there's a desire among some visitors for more detailed information about the filming of 'Where Eagles Dare.' This includes insights into specific scenes, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and how the castle's architecture was utilized to create the film's dramatic atmosphere. For those who grew up watching the movie or are discovering it for the first time, walking through Hohenwerfen Castle is like stepping onto a legendary movie set.
Navigating Hohenwerfen Castle: Tours and Accessibility
Travelers have noted that the staff at Hohenwerfen Castle are generally pleasant and efficient, with some going the extra mile to accommodate visitor needs, such as adjusting tour times. The castle itself is well-maintained, and while it's a historic site, the guided tours are designed to be informative and engaging for a wide audience, including families.
For those concerned about accessibility, it's important to remember that Hohenwerfen Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a hill. While the funicular provides easy access to the castle grounds, navigating within the castle itself may involve stairs and uneven surfaces. Planning for comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
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